Cadillac SRX Second Generation Forum - 2010+ Discussion, When to Refuel? in Cadillac SRX Forums; So there was a thread discussing fuel pump failures and the stress that running the fuel tank low places on ...

When to Refuel?

So there was a thread discussing fuel pump failures and the stress that running the fuel tank low places on the fuel pump. I've looked in the owner's manual and can't find anything with regard to letting the fuel level get below a certain point. I'm wondering if there's anything in writing, as opposed to speculation and conjecture, with regard to this issue. Some here have said that half a tank is the threshold for refueling. I have always let my fuel level drop to at least 1/4 before refueling on all of my vehicles without any adverse effects, and I've never seen anything from an auto manufacturer that stated this may cause problems. I know we have some mechanics in here as well. So please tell me how low is too low,why, and cite a source. I don't want to hurt my SRX, but don't feel like running to the gas station all the time.

Re: When to Refuel?

First of all the intank pump is lubricated by the fuel and no fuel no lub and cooling. Second the tank pump only pumps fuel to the secondary hi pressurepump and if it goes dry you going to be replacing both pumps. Can you spell EXPENSIVE.

First of all the intank pump is lubricated by the fuel and no fuel no lub and cooling. Second the tank pump only pumps fuel to the secondary hi pressurepump and if it goes dry you going to be replacing both pumps. Can you spell EXPENSIVE.

But at what point should you refuel to a sound costly repairs? Why is this not mentioned anywhere in the manual? No need to insult me.

Re: When to Refuel?

Originally Posted by 300:29:1

But at what point should you refuel to a sound costly repairs? Why is this not mentioned anywhere in the manual? No need to insult me.

Hello 300:29:1,
I don't think there was any intention by anyone of insulting you. The 1/4 mark is a good indication that it's time to refuel. If you consistently allow the fuel level to get low enough to cause the low fuel indicator to display, then you will be flirting with the afore-mentioned expensive repairs.

Hello 300:29:1,
I don't think there was any intention by anyone of insulting you. The 1/4 mark is a good indication that it's time to refuel. If you consistently allow the fuel level to get low enough to cause the low fuel indicator to display, then you will be flirting with the afore-mentioned expensive repairs.

Re: When to Refuel?

Originally Posted by 300:29:1

So 1/4 is reasonable then? Some have said 1/2. 1/4 seems reasonable.

Needing to refuel at 1/2 tank is absurd. The in-tank pump is on the bottom and will still be submersed even below an 1/8, typically. We all know that different vehicles have varying degrees of how the fuel level is displayed. The first 1/2 may "last" a lot longer than the second 1/2! This is a primary reason that the 1/4 level is used as a "safe" measure. My daughter used to consistently wait for the low fuel indicator before refueling, and consequently, ended up having to replace the fuel pump. I have normally refueled anywhere between a 1/8 and 1/4 level without any problems.

Re: When to Refuel?

Agreed with most here, its probably a preference thing, but the tank design probably allows that 1/8-1/4 is fine. Also, just as some food for thought, if you are constantly driving around topping off your tank, you're carrying around 75 pounds of useless weight. In my old trailblazer, I swore I was getting 2 mpg better when nearly empty than when topped off. Probably all in my head.

Re: When to Refuel?

Precisely! But I also intended to mention another factor that we usually don't consider, and that is whether the vehicle is being driven on an incline or decline, or sharp curves. These factors can cause the fuel to be slanted away from the pump, if the fuel is at a low level.

Re: When to Refuel?

What do think we should use? If CNG catches on and it will, NG is going to be expensive. Plug in cars still use fuel to power the power generating plants.
Diesel fuel is projected to incresase 300% by 2016 and thats why new Long Haul Semis 39% are now being built to use CNG.
If you want to drive your going to pay regardless.

Originally Posted by stevec5375

Just imagine if we weren't still stuck on fossil fuels this would not even be a problem. (Nor would the high price of gas.)

Re: When to Refuel?

letting the tank run low on fuel isn't necessarily that big of a problem
but never filling it all the way up and always running low on fuel is

for instance if you only put $10-$20 in at a time and just fill up the tank a little bit (and consequently visit the pump more often)
you run a much higher risk of pump failure than if you always let it get to the 'low fuel' message but then fill it up all the way

Re: When to Refuel?

Originally Posted by redvett94

What do think we should use? If CNG catches on and it will, NG is going to be expensive. Plug in cars still use fuel to power the power generating plants.
Diesel fuel is projected to incresase 300% by 2016 and thats why new Long Haul Semis 39% are now being built to use CNG.
If you want to drive your going to pay regardless.

What about hydrogen fuel cells? Water vapor is the byproduct. California had some refuel stations going for that tech but I haven't heard much about it lately.